TW202336320A - Improvements in and relating to underwater excavation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An excavation apparatus (5), such as an underwater excavation apparatus and/or a controlled flow excavation apparatus, comprises a rotor (10) comprising a plurality of first rotor blades (12) and a plurality of second rotor blades (14). The second rotor blades are provided between adjacent pairs of first rotor blades. The first rotor blades (12) define a plurality of primary rotor blades of the rotor (10). The second rotor blades (14) define a plurality of secondary, splitter, rotor blades of the rotor (10).

Description

Improvements to underwater excavation equipment and improvements related to underwater excavation equipment

The present invention relates to an excavation apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to an underwater (eg seabed) excavation apparatus. The invention also relates to an excavation system, device or tool, such as an underwater excavation system, device or tool, and to a method of excavation, such as underwater excavation.

The present invention also relates to an underwater excavation device or system comprising means for disturbing the seabed, ocean floor, lake bed, riverbed soil or similar soil (eg, disturbing relatively solid soil).

High-flow excavators move seabed material by directing high-volume flows of fluid at low pressures on the seabed. This differs from jet-type devices, which direct low-volume flow fluids at high pressure at the seabed. High-volume excavators are typically tethered from the ship by means of a crane cable, which is used to lower and retrieve the excavator and maintain it in contact with the seabed or structures that need to be excavated, such as subsea oil or gas pipelines. at a certain distance. To control excavation, sonar detection components can be used to allow the excavator operator to view the excavation in real time. Cameras and metal detection components are also available to assist the operator.

Underwater high flow excavation equipment is known. For example, GB 2 297 777 A (HOLLANDSCHE BETONGROEP) and WO 98/27286 (LEDINGHAM CHALMERS TRUSTEE et al.), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

High-flow excavation is the creation of a cavity at relatively low pressure (usually measured in kilopascals, KPa) in the seabed or the like (e.g., in sand, soft clay, and/or pre-dispersed or disturbed material) method. The seabed can be stirred by mechanical components or high-pressure injection components to assist high-flow excavation. These aids in cutting the seabed then rely on high flow excavation methods to remove and disperse seabed material. High flow excavators typically include a hollow body or casing and at least one pusher impeller or rotor disposed within the casing that draws fluid into the casing and directs the fluid out of the casing towards the seabed.

High flow excavators are known to include push impellers designed to pump large volumes of fluid and discharge the fluid at relatively low speeds and low pressures (typically less than 7 m/s and less than 25 KPa). Due to the relatively low pressures and relatively low fluid flow velocities of high-volume excavation, many passes may be required to effectively excavate an area because only limited penetration of the seabed can be achieved with each pass. Another characteristic of high-volume excavation is that the trenches produced in the seabed can be relatively wide but shallow. This is because high-flow excavators can first move looser material on the surface due to pressure constraints before penetrating the stronger material below, creating wide and unclear or uncontrolled excavation profiles.

In addition, high-flow excavation equipment is primarily suitable for excavation by directing fluids at the seabed, but due to the low-pressure nature of the equipment, such equipment has limited use in collecting and removing seabed material by suction. Therefore, after high-flow devices have disturbed seabed material, individual tools such as centrifugal pumps may need to be deployed to suck in and remove the material.

In order to distinguish it from "large flow", the term "controlled flow" is used below in connection with the excavator of the present invention, which can be configured to operate at a pressure of typically about 35 KPa to 120 KPa and typically about 1 m ³ / Generate and/or guide fluid flow at volumetric flow rates from s to 8 m ³ /s. The higher pressure capability of the controlled flow device or device compared to the high flow device makes the controlled flow device or device suitable for excavation (e.g. injection) mode and also for excavation in the suction mode in which the device Can be used to collect and transport seabed material away from the excavation site.

At least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention aims to eliminate or alleviate one or more problems or disadvantages of the prior art.

It is an object, or may be sought, of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the invention to provide an excavation apparatus, such as an underwater excavation apparatus, which is advantageously adapted and/or configured for use at relatively shallow depths , such as 1 meter or less.

An object of at least one aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is or may be to provide a method that addresses the need to conduct excavation in a relatively controlled and/or rapid manner, for example, with a well-defined seabed excavation profile.

An object of at least one aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention may be to provide a method for solving the needs of excavation in relatively hard soil conditions, such as having a soil hardness of 100 KPa to 400 KPa or greater than 120 KPa. .

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an excavation equipment, such as an underwater excavation equipment or a controlled flow (underwater) excavation equipment, having or including one or more or a plurality of first (push impeller) rotor blades and One or more or a plurality of second (shunt/shunt driven impeller) rotor blades of the rotor.

Providing a second rotor blade, for example, between adjacent first blades may effectively narrow the width of the end of the fluid passage, for example, between adjacent first rotor blades. This may eliminate or alleviate the need to increase the diameter of the rotor where the excavation equipment will be used in hard soils, for example above 100 KPa, such as 100 KPa to 400 KPa.

The excavation equipment may contain a stator. The stator may have or include a plurality of first stator blades and optionally a plurality of second (shunt) stator blades.

The excavation equipment may advantageously contain a single rotor.

The excavation equipment may advantageously contain a single stator.

The device may include a housing.

The housing may contain or have at least one inlet and at least one or one outlet.

The first (push impeller) rotor blade may comprise one or more (eg, a plurality of) primary (push impeller) rotor blades.

The second (splitter) rotor blades may include one or more (eg, a plurality of) secondary or splitter rotor blades.

Each second rotor blade may be disposed between adjacent (pairs of) first rotor blades.

The leading edge of each second rotor blade may begin or originate at an intermediate location (e.g., 35% to 45%) along the length adjacent the first rotor blade, e.g., 38% measured at the hub and 38% measured at the casing. Measured 42%.

The height of the first rotor blade and/or the second rotor blade may decrease along the length of the respective blade, for example in the direction from the inlet to the outlet.

the distance between adjacent first and second rotor blades and/or the area of the flow path between adjacent first and second rotor blades and/or the distance between adjacent main rotor blades and/or adjacent splitter rotor blades and The area of the flow path between adjacent main rotor blades and/or adjacent splitter rotor blades may be increased along the length of the respective rotor blades. (In each case, the length of the respective rotor blade can be measured from at least one inlet towards the outlet).

Such a configuration may be beneficial in providing excavation equipment adapted for use in solid sea or river bed conditions where higher pressures are required to excavate soil.

The rotor and/or stator may be disposed in the housing. The casing may comprise a shaft or a longitudinal shaft on which the rotor and the stator are arranged coaxially as appropriate or coaxially with the shaft.

The rotor can be positioned close to the inlet. The stator can be positioned close to the outlet.

The rotor may have a rotor rotation axis that may include or coincide with the longitudinal axis of the housing.

The rotor may include a first body. A plurality of first and/or second rotor blades may be disposed within the casing.

In use, fluid flowing through or across the rotor may be at a first angle α to the axis of rotation.

There may be a non-excavating/or suctioning mode of the excavation equipment. In excavation and/or suction mode, fluid may flow from at least one inlet to an outlet of the excavation device.

The rotor rotation axis may extend between at least one inlet and outlet.

The first body may include a first tapered member.

The first angle α may diverge away from the axis in a direction away from at least one of the at least one inlet and towards the outlet.

The apex of the rotor or first conical member may face the inlet or inlet end of the housing.

The plurality of first and/or second rotor blades may include airfoil blades, optionally mounted (such as circumferentially) on the first tapered member.

The first stator blade may include one or more (eg, a plurality of) main stator blades.

The second stator blades may include one or more (eg, a plurality of) secondary or diverter blades.

Each second stator blade may be disposed between adjacent pairs of first stator blades.

The leading edge of each second stator blade may begin or originate at an intermediate position (e.g., 45% to 55%) along the length adjacent the first stator blade, e.g., 48% measured at the hub and at the casing 52% of measurement.

The height of the first stator blade and the second stator blade may increase (or alternatively decrease) along the length of the respective stator blade (eg, in the direction from inlet to outlet).

the distance between adjacent first and second stator blades and/or the area of the flow path between adjacent first and second stator blades and/or the distance between adjacent main stator blades and/or adjacent splitter stator blades and The area of the flow path between adjacent main stator blades and/or adjacent splitter stator blades may be reduced along the length of the respective stator blades. In each case, the length of the sub-blade was measured from the inlet towards the outlet. Such a configuration may be beneficial in producing excavation equipment adapted for use in solid sea or river bed conditions where higher pressures are required to excavate soil.

Such a configuration may be beneficial for excavation equipment that is tuned for use in relatively shallow water, for example, thereby allowing for a relatively low profile/height excavation equipment.

The stator may be coaxial with the rotor and/or optionally the stator may be disposed between the rotor and the outlet.

In use, fluid flowing through or across the stator may be at a second angle β with the axis of rotation of the rotor.

The stator may include a second body, such as a second tapered member.

The second angle β converges towards the axis in a direction away from the inlet and towards the outlet.

The apex of the stator or second conical member may face the outlet.

The plurality of first and second stator blades may include airfoil blades, which may be mounted on the second tapered member.

The first angle α may be selected from any of the following: in the range of 55° to 75° or 65°.

The second angle β can be selected from the range of 55° to 75°, or 65°.

The at least one inlet may be provided on or at one or more sides of the housing or at or at an end of the housing.

At least one inlet may be disposed around (eg, circumferentially or peripherally around) a side of the housing.

The housing may contain a longitudinal axis. The housing may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

The one or more inlets may be positioned obliquely and/or offset from the longitudinal axis or transversely or substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis.

One or more inlets may be positioned perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Each of the one or more inlets may be disposed non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Each of the one or more inlets may be set, for example, at an angle other than zero (0°), for example, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each of the one or more outlets.

At least one inlet in each case may be provided near or adjacent an end of the housing.

Each of the one or more outlets may be provided on or at one/the other end of the housing, such as on and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The device may be adapted to provide inclined or horizontal or substantially horizontal or non-vertical or substantially non-vertical fluid/water flow into the housing in use, such as in a first or digging mode of operation.

The fluid/water flowing into the housing may be inclined at a converging angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

The excavation equipment may be adapted to provide, in use, coaxial or substantially coaxial or vertical or substantially vertical or non-horizontal or substantially non-horizontal fluid/water flow from the housing.

The excavation equipment may be adapted to provide and/or conduct fluid/water in use, for example at a pressure of 200 KPa to 400 KPa and/or a volumetric flow rate of 0.5 ^m3 /s to 4 ^m3 /s.

Fluid flow paths or passages may be provided extending from each of the at least one inlet to the outlet. At least one rotor and/or at least one stator may be arranged in the flow path.

Each fluid flow path may include a first (inlet) section that may extend from at least one inlet.

Each fluid flow path may include a second (rotor) section, which may contain at least part of the rotor. This second section may diverge from the (longitudinal) axis of the housing.

Each fluid flow path may include a third (stator) section, which may contain at least part of the stator. This third section may converge towards the (longitudinal) axis of the housing.

Each fluid flow path may include a fourth (outlet) section that may extend to at least one outlet or outlets.

Each fluid flow path may include a first inlet portion/first portion, which may be disposed at or adjacent to each at least one inlet. This first inlet portion/first portion optionally and advantageously converges towards the (longitudinal) axis of the housing at a non-zero angle, for example between 0° and 90°, 45° and 90° or 90°. In use, the first inlet portion/first portion may optionally and advantageously be substantially horizontal and/or perpendicular to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing and/or the first inlet portion/first portion may be substantially straight.

Each fluid flow path may include a second inlet portion/second portion, which may extend or continue from the first inlet portion/first portion. The first inlet part/second part may optionally and advantageously be curved, bent or arcuate and/or may be convex relative to the (longitudinal axis) of the housing.

Each fluid flow path may include a rotor portion/third portion, which may extend or continue from the inlet section/second inlet portion/second portion. The first/third rotor part may optionally and advantageously be substantially straight, may coincide with or contain part of at least a part of the rotor, and/or may e.g. be in the direction of flow from inlet to outlet, for example at 55° to An angle α of 75°, for example 65°, diverges from the (longitudinal) axis of the housing.

Each fluid flow path may comprise another or intermediate/fourth section which may extend or continue from the first/third rotor section. This further or middle/fourth part may optionally and advantageously be curved, bent or arcuate and/or may be concave relative to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing.

Each fluid flow path may include a stator portion/fifth portion, which may extend or continue from another or intermediate portion/fourth portion. The first/fifth stator part may optionally and advantageously be substantially straight, may coincide with or contain parts of at least part of the stator, and/or may eg be in the direction of flow from inlet to outlet, e.g. The angle β of 55° to 75°, for example 65°, converges towards the (longitudinal) direction of the housing. Such a configuration may be beneficial for excavation equipment that is tuned for use in relatively shallow water, for example, thereby allowing for a relatively low profile/height excavation equipment.

Each fluid flow path may include a first outlet portion/sixth portion, which may extend or continue from the stator portion/fifth portion. The first/sixth outlet part may optionally and advantageously be curved, bent or arcuate and/or may be convex relative to the (longitudinal axis) of the housing.

Each fluid flow path may include a second outlet portion/seventh portion, which may extend or continue from the first outlet/sixth portion. The second/seventh outlet part may be provided at or near the outlet. In use, the second/seventh part may optionally and advantageously be substantially vertical, and/or parallel to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing, and/or substantially straight.

In a first operating mode, which may include an excavation mode, the outlet may face the area to be excavated, and in such a mode the inlet may be positioned above, for example directly above, the outlet.

In a second mode of operation, which may include a suction mode, the inlet may be close to the area that has been excavated and/or needs to be cleared, and in such a mode the inlet may be disposed below, for example directly below, the outlet.

The interior of the housing can converge toward the rotor from at least one inlet.

The interior of the housing diverges from the inlet end of the rotor toward the outlet end of the rotor.

The interior of the housing can converge from the stator toward the outlet.

The outlet may be substantially coaxial with the axis of the rotor and/or stator and/or housing.

The housing may be circumferentially/rotationally symmetrical about the axis of the housing.

The excavation equipment may include components or arrangements for suppressing reaction moments on the excavation equipment caused by rotation of the rotor during use.

The excavation equipment and/or at least one rotor may advantageously comprise a single rotor.

The torque suppression component advantageously does not include a second rotor, such as a second rotor configured to rotate to at least one (single) rotor.

The excavation device and/or the at least one stator may advantageously comprise a single stator.

The housing may contain a hollow body.

The rotor and/or stator may be disposed in the housing. The housing may contain the shaft. The rotor and stator may be arranged coaxially, such as on a shaft. The housing can be placed on the shaft. The rotor may be positioned proximate the at least one inlet and/or the stator may be positioned proximate the outlet.

The rotor may comprise a first body, such as a first tapered body and/or a plurality of first and second rotor blades disposed on the first body, for example.

The stator may comprise a second body, such as a second conical body and/or a plurality of first and/or second stator blades, for example arranged on the second body.

The torque suppression component contains or includes counter-rotating blades.

The excavation equipment may include a motor for driving the rotor. At least one inlet can be provided (longitudinal) between the motor and the rotor.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an excavation system or tool, such as a subsea system or tool, comprising at least one excavation equipment according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an excavation method is provided, such as an underwater excavation method, which method includes: At least one excavation equipment according to the first aspect of the invention is provided; and The excavation equipment is used to excavate locations, such as underwater locations.

It is to be understood that the features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the invention or below in relation to any particular embodiment of the invention may be used alone or in combination with any other defined feature in any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown an excavation apparatus including an underwater excavation apparatus, generally designated 5, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Excavation equipment 5, such as a controlled flow (subsea) excavation equipment, comprising a rotor 10 having or including one or more rotor blades 11 including one or more or a plurality of first (push impeller) rotor blades 12 and a or a plurality or plurality of second (splitter/splitter driven impeller) rotor blades 14.

Providing the second rotor blade 14 between adjacent first rotor blades 12 effectively narrows the width of the ends of the fluid passages 16 between adjacent first rotor blades 12 . This may eliminate or alleviate the need to increase the diameter of the rotor 10 where the excavation equipment 5 is to be used in hard soils, for example above 100 KPa, such as 100 KPa to 400 KPa.

The excavation device 5 contains a stator 15 . The stator 15 has or contains a plurality of stator blades 45 , including a first stator blade 46 and (optionally/advantageously) a plurality of second (splitter) stator blades 47 .

The excavation equipment 5 advantageously contains a single rotor.

The excavation device 5 advantageously contains a single stator.

The device includes a housing 20 .

Housing 20 contains or has at least one inlet 25 and at least one or one outlet 30 .

The first (impeller) rotor blade 12 includes one or more (ie, a plurality of) primary (impeller) rotor blades.

The second (splitter) rotor blades 14 comprise one or more (ie, a plurality of) secondary or splitter rotor blades.

Each second rotor blade 14 is disposed between adjacent (paired) first rotor blades 12 .

The leading edge of each second rotor blade 14 begins or begins at an intermediate position (eg, 35% to 45%) along the length adjacent the first rotor blade 12 , such as 38% as measured at the hub and at the casing 20 42% of the measured value.

The height of the first rotor blade 12 and/or the second rotor blade 14 decreases along the length of the respective blades.

The distance between adjacent first and second rotor blades 12, 14 and/or the area of the flow path between adjacent first and second rotor blades and/or the adjacent main rotor blades and/or the adjacent splitter rotor blades The distance and/or area of the flow path between adjacent main rotor blades and/or adjacent splitter rotor blades increases along the length of the respective rotor blades 12, 14. (In each case, the length 12, 14 of the respective rotor blade can be measured from at least one inlet 25 towards the outlet 30).

Such an arrangement would be beneficial in providing excavation equipment adapted for use in solid sea or river bed conditions where higher pressures are required to excavate soil.

The rotor 10 and/or the stator 15 are arranged in the housing 20 . The housing 20 contains a shaft or longitudinal axis A on which or coaxially the rotor 10 and the stator 15 are arranged.

The rotor 10 is positioned close to the inlet 25 . The stator 15 is positioned close to the outlet 30 .

The rotor 10 has a rotor rotation axis that includes or coincides with the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

The rotor 10 contains a first body 39 . A plurality of first and second rotor blades 12 and 14 are disposed in the casing 20 .

In use, fluid flowing through or across the rotor 10 may be at a first angle α to the axis of rotation.

There are digging and (where appropriate) suction modes for the excavation equipment. In excavation and/or suction mode, fluid flows from at least one inlet 25 to the outlet 30 of the excavation device 5 .

The rotor axis of rotation extends between at least one inlet 25 and outlet 30 .

The first body contains a first tapered member.

The first angle α may diverge away from the axis A in a direction away from at least one of the at least one inlet 25 and towards the outlet 30 .

The apex of the rotor 10 or first conical member faces the inlet 25 or inlet end of the housing 20 .

The plurality of first and/or second rotor blades 12, 14 comprise airfoil blades, which are optionally mounted (such as circumferentially) on the first tapered member.

The first stator blade 46 includes one or more (ie, a plurality of) primary stator blades.

The second stator blades 47 include one or more (ie, a plurality of) secondary or splitter rotor blades.

Each second stator blade 47 may be disposed between adjacent pairs of first stator blades 46 .

The leading edge of each second stator blade 47 begins or begins at an intermediate position (eg, 45% to 55%) along the length adjacent the first stator blade 46 , for example, 48% as measured at the hub and at the casing 52% of 20 measurements.

The height of the first stator blade 46 and the second stator blade 47 may decrease along the length of the respective stator blade 46 , 47 .

The distance adjacent the first and second stator blades 46, 47 and/or the area adjacent the flow path 49 between the first and second stator blades and/or the area adjacent the main stator blades and/or the splitter stator blades The distance between and/or the area of the flow path between adjacent main stator blades and/or adjacent splitter stator blades may be reduced along the length of the respective stator blades 46, 47. In each case, the length of the vanes 46, 47 is measured from the inlet towards the outlet. Such a configuration is beneficial in producing an excavation device 5 adapted for use in solid sea or river bed conditions where higher pressure is required to excavate soil.

Such a configuration may be beneficial for an excavation device 5 that is adapted for use in relatively shallow water, for example, thus allowing a relatively low profile/height excavation device.

The stator 15 is coaxial with the rotor 10 and is disposed between the rotor 10 and the outlet 30 .

In use, fluid flowing through or across the stator 15 may be at a second angle β with the axis of rotation A of the rotor 10 .

The stator 15 contains a second body 40, such as a second conical member.

The second angle β converges towards the axis A in a direction away from the inlet 25 and towards the outlet 30 .

The apex of the stator 15 or the second conical member faces the outlet 30 .

The plurality of first and second stator blades 46, 47 comprise airfoil blades which may be mounted on the second tapered member.

The first angle α may be selected from any of the following: in the range of 55° to 75° or 65°.

The second angle β can be selected from the range of 55° to 75°, or 65°.

At least one inlet 25 is provided on or at one or more sides 26 of the housing 20 (or alternatively on or at the end).

At least one inlet 25 is provided around (eg, circumferentially or peripherally around) a side of the housing 20 .

Housing 20 contains a longitudinal axis A. The housing 20 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A.

One or more inlets 25 are arranged obliquely and/or offset from the longitudinal axis A or transversely or substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis A.

One or more inlets 25 are arranged perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

Each of the one or more inlets 25 is disposed non-parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

Each of the one or more inlets 25 is disposed, for example, at an angle other than zero (0 ^o ), eg, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each of the one or more outlets 30 .

At least one inlet 25 is provided near or adjacent the end 29 of the housing 20 .

Each of the one or more outlets 30 is provided on or at one/other end 31 of the housing 20 , such as on and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

The apparatus 5 may be adapted to provide inclined or horizontal or substantially horizontal or non-vertical or substantially non-vertical fluid/water into the housing 20 in use, such as in a first or digging mode of operation.

The fluid/water flowing into the housing 20 may be inclined at a convergent angle to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

The excavation apparatus 5 is adapted in use to provide coaxial or substantially coaxial or vertical or substantially vertical or non-horizontal or substantially non-horizontal fluid/water flow from the housing 20 .

The excavation equipment 5 is adapted to provide and/or conduct fluid/water in use, for example at a pressure of 200 KPa to 400 KPa and/or a volumetric flow rate of 0.5 m ³ /s to 4 m ³ /s.

A fluid flow path F or passage is provided extending from each of at least one inlet 25 to the outlet 30 . At least one rotor 10 and/or at least one stator 15 is provided in the flow path F.

The fluid flow path F contains a first (inlet) section extending from at least one inlet 25 .

The fluid flow path F includes a second (rotor) section containing at least part of the rotor 10 . This second section diverges from the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

The fluid flow path F includes a third (stator) section containing at least part of the stator 15 . This third section converges towards the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

The fluid flow path F includes a fourth (outlet) section extending to at least one outlet 30 .

The fluid flow path F includes a first inlet portion/first portion F ₁ arranged at or adjacent to at least one inlet 25 . This first inlet portion/first portion F1 advantageously converges towards the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 , for example at a non-zero angle, for example between 0° and 90°, 45° and 90° or 90°. In use, the first inlet portion/first portion F ₁ may optionally and advantageously be substantially horizontal and/or perpendicular to the (longitudinal) axis of the housing 20 and/or the first inlet portion/first portion F ₁ may be Essentially straight.

The fluid flow path F includes a second inlet portion/second portion _F2 that extends or continues from the first inlet portion/first portion _F1 . This second inlet portion/second portion F ₂ is advantageously curved, bent or arcuate and convex relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

The fluid flow path F includes a rotor portion/third portion _F3 that extends or continues from the inlet section/second inlet portion/second portion _F2 . This rotor part/third part F ₃ is advantageously substantially rectilinear, coinciding with or containing at least one part or parts of the rotor 10 , and e.g. in the flow direction from the inlet 25 to the outlet 39 , e.g. from 55° to An angle α of 75° (eg, 65°) diverges from the longitudinal axis A of the housing 120 .

The fluid flow path F contains another or intermediate/fourth portion F ₄ that extends or continues from the first rotor portion/third portion F ₃ . This further or middle/fourth portion F ₄ is advantageously curved, bent or arcuate and concave relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

The fluid flow path F includes a stator portion/fifth portion _F5 that extends or continues from another or intermediate portion/fourth portion _F4 . This first/fifth stator part F ₅ is advantageously substantially straight, coinciding with or containing at least part of the stator 15 , and for example at an angle of 55° to 75° (eg 65°). β converges towards the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 in the flow direction from the inlet 25 to the outlet 30 . Such a configuration may be beneficial for excavation equipment that is tuned for use in relatively shallow water, for example, thereby allowing for a relatively low profile/height excavation equipment.

The fluid flow path F includes a first outlet portion/sixth portion _F6 that extends or continues from the stator portion/fifth portion _F5 . This first/sixth outlet portion F ₆ is advantageously curved, bent or arcuate and convex relative to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 .

Fluid flow path F includes a second/seventh outlet portion _F7 that extends or continues from the first outlet/sixth portion _F6 . The second/seventh outlet part F ₇ is provided at or adjacent to the outlet 30 . In use, the second/seventh outlet portion F ₇ is advantageously substantially vertical, parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the housing 20 and substantially straight.

In a first operating mode including an excavation mode, the outlet 30 faces the area to be excavated, and in such a mode the inlet 25 is provided above the outlet 30, that is, directly above it.

In the second operating mode including the suction mode, the inlet 25 is close to the area that has been excavated and/or needs to be cleared, and in such a mode the inlet 25 is disposed below the outlet 30, for example directly below.

The interior of the housing 20 converges towards the rotor 10 from at least one inlet 25 .

The interior of the housing 20 diverges from the inlet end of the rotor 10 toward the outlet end of the rotor 10 .

The interior of the housing 20 converges from the stator 15 toward the outlet 30 .

The outlet 30 is substantially coaxial with the axis A of the rotor 10 , the stator 15 and the housing 20 .

The housing 20 is circumferentially/rotationally symmetric about the axis A of the housing 20 .

The excavation equipment 5 contains components or arrangements (not shown) for suppressing reaction moments on the excavation equipment caused by rotation of the rotor 10 in use.

The excavation device 5 and/or the at least one rotor 10 advantageously comprises a single rotor.

The torque suppression component advantageously does not include a second rotor, such as a second rotor configured to rotate to at least one (single) rotor.

The excavation device 5 and/or the at least one stator 15 advantageously comprises a single stator.

Housing 20 contains a hollow body.

The rotor 10 and the stator 15 are arranged in the housing 20 . Housing 20 contains axis A. The rotor 10 and the stator 15 are arranged coaxially, such as on axis A. The housing 20 is arranged on the axis A. The rotor 15 is arranged close to at least one inlet 25 and the stator 15 is arranged close to the outlet 30 .

The rotor 10 includes a first body 39, such as a first cone body, and a plurality of first rotor blades 12 and second rotor blades 14 are disposed on the first body 39.

The stator 15 includes a second body 40, such as a second cone body, and a plurality of first stator blades 46 and second stator blades 47 are disposed on the second body 40.

The torque suppression component may contain or include counter-rotating blades.

The excavation equipment may include a motor 70 for driving the rotor 10 . The rotor is arranged (longitudinal) between at least one inlet 25 and at least one outlet 30 .

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, an alternative stator 15a for use in the excavation equipment 5 is shown. Stator 15a is similar to stator 15 in many respects, with identical parts referred to by the same integers, but with the addition of "a".

The invention provides an excavation system or tool 205, such as a subsea system or tool, comprising at least one excavation device 5 as described above.

The present invention provides an excavation method, such as an underwater excavation method, which method includes: providing at least one excavation equipment 5 as described above; and The excavation equipment is used to excavate locations, such as underwater locations.

It should be understood that the specific examples of the invention described above are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

It is specifically understood that the configuration of the at least one inlet is adapted and/or designed to provide and/or facilitate fluid flow from one or more sides of the housing rather than from the end/top. This is particularly beneficial when operating at or near the surface of a body of fluid/water and/or when operating in relatively shallow depths, for example to reduce any vortex effects at the inlet. Another key feature of this type of excavation equipment, particularly for this type of use, is the relatively large stator path convergence angle β relative to the longitudinal axis A, thus reducing the required height of the housing. In order to achieve shorter, low profile, housing height, the provision of secondary/splitter vanes has particular benefits.

As shown in Figure 1, height A ₁ minus A ₂ is greater than height C ₁ minus C ₂ . The second rotor blade 14 starts at B. Furthermore, the first rotor blade 12 and the second rotor blade 14 end at position C.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the first stator blade 46 begins at position D and ends at position F. Furthermore, the second stator blade 47 starts at position E and ends at position F.

As shown in Figure 2, the distance between the first rotor blades 12 increases along the length of the first rotor blades 12 - see 1a, 1b to 2a, 2b, ie 1a to 2a is smaller than 1b to 2b. Furthermore, the distances 3a to 4a are smaller than the distances 3b to 4b.

without

Specific examples of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig . 1] is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an excavation equipment according to a first specific example of the present invention. [ Fig. 2] is a top view of the rotor of the excavation equipment of Fig. 1. [ Fig. 3] is a side view of the rotor of Fig. 2. [ Fig. 4] is a bottom view of the stator of the excavation equipment of Fig. 1. [ Fig. 5] is a side view of the stator of Fig. 4. [ Fig. 6] is a bottom view of an alternative stator of the excavation equipment of Fig. 1. [Fig. [ Fig. 7] is a side view of the alternative stator of Fig. 6. [Fig.

Claims (66)

An excavation equipment, such as an underwater excavation equipment and/or a controlled flow excavation equipment, includes a rotor having or including a plurality of first rotor blades and a plurality of second rotor blades. The excavation equipment of claim 1, wherein a leading edge of one or more of the second rotor blades begins midway along a length adjacent to the first rotor blade. The excavation equipment of claim 2, wherein the leading edge begins at 35% to 45% of the length along the adjacent first rotor blade. Such as the excavation equipment of claim 1, 2 or 3, at least one of the following: A distance adjacent the first rotor blade and the second rotor blade and/or an area adjacent a flow path between the first rotor blade and the second rotor blade along the respective first rotor blades and the The length of the respective second rotor blades is increased; a distance between adjacent second rotor blades and/or an area of a flow path between adjacent second rotor blades increases along the length of the respective second rotor blades; a distance between adjacent main rotor blades and/or an area of a flow path between adjacent main rotor blades increases along the length of the respective main rotor blades; The excavation equipment of any preceding claim, wherein a height of one or more of the first rotor blades and/or the second rotor blades is along the height of the respective first blades and/or the respective The length of the second blade is reduced. Excavation equipment as in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the first rotor blades comprise or define a plurality of main rotor blades; the second rotor blades comprise or define a plurality of secondary splitter rotor blades; and One or more of the second rotor blades are disposed between a pair of adjacent first rotor blades. Excavation equipment as in any preceding claim, wherein the excavation equipment includes a single rotor. The excavation equipment of any preceding claim, wherein the excavation equipment includes a housing, wherein the housing includes one or more inlets and an outlet. Such as the excavation equipment of claim 8, at least one of the following: The rotor is arranged in the housing; The rotor is disposed proximate to at least one of the inlets. The excavation equipment of any of the preceding claims, at least one of the following: The plurality of first rotor blades include airfoil blades; The plurality of second rotor blades include airfoil blades. The excavation equipment of any preceding claim, wherein the rotor includes a first body. The excavation equipment of claim 11, wherein the first body includes a first tapered member. The excavation equipment of claim 12 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the airfoil blades are disposed (eg circumferentially disposed) on the first tapered member. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein a vertex of the rotor faces one of the inlets of the housing. The excavation equipment of any preceding claim, wherein the rotor has a rotor rotation axis. The excavation equipment of claim 15 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the rotor rotation axis extends between the at least one inlet and the outlet of the housing. The excavation equipment of claim 15 or 16, wherein in use, the flow of fluid through or across the rotor forms a first angle α with the axis of rotation of the rotor. The excavation equipment of claim 17, wherein the first angle α diverges away from the rotor rotation axis in a direction away from at least one of the inlets and toward the outlet. The excavation equipment of claim 18, wherein the first angle α is in the range of 55° to 75°, such as 65°. Excavation equipment as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 19, wherein the housing includes an axis, for example a longitudinal axis. The excavation equipment of claim 20, wherein the rotor is coaxially disposed on or coaxially with the axis, such as the longitudinal axis, of the housing. The excavation equipment of any preceding claim, wherein the excavation equipment includes a stator, and the stator includes a plurality of first stator blades. The excavation equipment of claim 22, wherein the stator includes a plurality of second stator blades. The excavation equipment of claim 22 or 23, wherein the excavation equipment includes a single stator. The excavation equipment of claim 22, 23 or 24 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the stator is provided in the housing. An excavation device as claimed in claim 22, 23 or 24 when dependent on claim 8 or as claimed in claim 25, wherein the stator is disposed close to the outlet of the housing. Excavation equipment as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25 when dependent on claim 21, wherein the stator is coaxially arranged on or coaxially with the axis, for example the longitudinal axis, of the housing. Such as requesting the excavation equipment of any one of items 23 to 27, wherein: the first stator blades include a plurality of main stator blades; the second stator blades include a plurality of secondary splitter blades; and One or more of the second stator blades are disposed between a pair of adjacent first stator blades. For example, the excavation equipment of any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein at least one of the following: A leading edge of one or more of the second stator blades begins midway along a length adjacent to the first stator blade, for example 45% to 55%; A height of one or more of the second stator blades decreases along a length of the respective second stator blades; A distance adjacent the first stator blade and the second stator blade and/or an area adjacent the flow path between the first stator blade and the second stator blade along the respective first stator blades and the length of the respective second stator blades is reduced; A distance between adjacent second stator blades and/or an area of the flow path between adjacent second stator blades decreases along the length of the respective second stator blades. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein a distance between adjacent first stator blades and/or an area of the flow path between adjacent first stator blades is along the respective The length of the first stator blade is reduced. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the stator is coaxial with the rotor. For example, when dependent on claim 8, the excavation equipment of any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein at least one of the following: The stator is disposed close to the outlet; The stator is disposed between the rotor and the outlet; One of the vertices of the stator faces the outlet. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein in use, the flow of fluid through or across the stator forms a second angle β with the axis of rotation of the rotor. Such as the excavation equipment of claim 33, wherein at least one of the following: the second angle β converges towards the axis in a direction away from the inlet and towards the outlet; and The second angle β is in the range of 55° to 75°, such as 65°. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 22 to 34 when dependent on claim 11, wherein the stator includes a second body. The excavation equipment of claim 35, wherein the second body includes a second tapered member. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 22 to 36, wherein the plurality of first stator blades include airfoil blades. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 23 to 37, wherein the plurality of second stator blades include airfoil blades. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 37 or 38 when dependent on claim 36, wherein the airfoil blades are arranged on the second tapered member. Such as the excavation equipment of any one of claims 8 to 39, at least one of the following: One or more of the inlets are provided on or at one or more sides of the housing; One or more of the inlets are provided on or at an end of the housing; One or more of the inlets are arranged around the housing, such as circumferentially or peripherally around the housing; One or more of the inlets are located at a non-zero angle relative to the outlet, for example, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the outlet; One or more of the inlets are provided near or adjacent an end of the housing; and/or One or more of the outlets are provided on or at the other end of the housing. For example, the excavation equipment of any one of claims 20 to 40, wherein at least one of the following: One or more of the inlets are inclined and/or offset from the longitudinal axis of the housing; One or more of the inlets are arranged perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing; One or more of the inlets are arranged non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing; One or more of the outlets are disposed on the longitudinal axis of the housing and/or are disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. For example, the excavation equipment of any one of claim items 8 to 41, wherein: The device is adapted to provide an inclined, a horizontal or substantially horizontal or a non-vertical or substantially non-vertical flow of water into the enclosure; and/or The device is adapted to provide a coaxial or substantially coaxial, vertical or substantially vertical, or a non-horizontal or substantially non-horizontal flow of water from the enclosure. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 20 to 42, wherein the water flow flowing into the housing is inclined at a convergent angle relative to the axis (eg, longitudinal axis) of the housing. The excavation equipment of any of the preceding claims, wherein the equipment is adapted to provide and/or direct a water flow with a pressure of 200 KPa to 400 KPa and/or a volumetric flow rate of 0.5m ³ /s to 4m ³ /s. An excavation apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 44, wherein a fluid flow path or passage is provided extending from the at least one inlet to the outlet. The excavation equipment of claim 45, wherein the rotor is disposed in the flow path. The excavation equipment of claim 45 or 46 when dependent on claim 22, wherein the stator is arranged in the flow path. For example, the excavation equipment of claim 45 or 46, wherein the fluid flow path includes: a first section; a second section; a third section; and/or a fourth section. Such as the excavation equipment of claim 48, wherein at least one of the following: the first section extends from the entrance; the second section contains at least part of the rotor; The fourth section extends to the exit. Such as the excavation equipment of claim 48 or 49 when dependent on claim 47, wherein the third section contains part of the stator. The excavation equipment of claim 48, 49 or 50 when dependent on claim 20, wherein at least one of the following: the second section diverges from the axis, such as the longitudinal axis, of the housing; and The third section converges towards the axis, eg the longitudinal axis, of the housing. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 45 to 51, wherein the fluid flow path includes: a first portion, such as a first inlet portion, located at or adjacent to the one or more inlets; a second portion, such as a second entrance portion, extending or continuing from the first portion; a third part, such as a rotor part, which extends or continues from the second part; a fourth part, such as a middle part, which extends or continues from the third part; a fifth part, such as a stator part, which extends or continues from the fourth part, a sixth part, such as a first exit part, which extends or continues from the fifth part; and/or A seventh portion, such as a second outlet portion, extends or continues from the sixth portion, the seventh portion being disposed at or adjacent to the outlet. The excavation equipment of claim 52 when dependent on claim 20, wherein at least one of the following: the first part converges towards the axis of the housing, for example at a non-zero angle, for example between 0° and 90°, between 45° and 90° or at 90°; In use, the first part is substantially horizontal and/or perpendicular to the axis of the housing; the first part is substantially straight; the second part is curved, bent, arcuate and/or convex relative to the axis of the housing; the third part is substantially straight, coincides with or contains at least part of the rotor; the third portion emanates from the axis of the housing, for example in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet, for example at an angle α of 55° to 75°, for example 65°; the fourth part is curved, bent, arcuate and/or concave relative to the axis of the housing; the fifth part is substantially straight, coincides with or contains at least part of the stator, The fifth part converges towards the axis of the housing, for example in a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet, for example at an angle β of 55° to 75°, for example 65°; and/or The sixth portion is curved, bent, arcuate and/or convex relative to the axis of the housing. Excavation equipment as in any of the preceding claims, wherein: In a first operating mode, which optionally includes an excavation mode, the outlet faces an area to be excavated, and in this mode, the one or more inlets are provided above, such as directly above, the outlet; and/or In a second mode of operation, which optionally includes a suction mode, the one or more inlets are provided close to an area that has been excavated, and in this mode the one or more inlets are provided below the outlet, For example, directly below. Such as the excavation equipment of any one of claims 8 to 54, wherein at least one of the following: An interior of the housing converges toward the rotor from the one or more inlets; The interior of the housing diverges from an inlet end of the rotor toward an outlet end of the rotor. An excavation apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 55 when dependent on claim 8, wherein an interior of the housing converges from the stator towards the outlet. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 8 to 56, wherein the outlet is substantially coaxial with the rotor. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 22 to 57 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the outlet is substantially coaxial with the stator. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 20 to 58, wherein the outlet is substantially coaxial with the axis of the housing. Excavation equipment as in any of the preceding claims, wherein: The excavation equipment includes means or an arrangement for suppressing reaction moments on the excavation equipment caused by rotation of the rotor in use. Such as the excavation equipment of claim 60, wherein at least one of the following: The torque suppressing component includes or includes counter-rotating blades; and/or The torque suppression component does not include a second rotor, such as a second rotor configured to counter-rotate relative to the rotor. The excavation equipment of any one of claims 8 to 61, wherein the housing includes a hollow body. Excavation equipment as in any of the preceding claims, wherein: The excavation equipment includes a motor for driving the rotor. The excavation equipment of claim 63, wherein the inlet is disposed between the motor and the rotor, for example, longitudinally disposed between the motor and the rotor. An excavation system or tool, such as an underwater system or tool, comprising at least one excavation device according to any one of claims 1 to 64. An excavation method, such as an underwater excavation method, comprising: Providing at least one excavation equipment as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 64; and The excavation equipment is used to excavate a location, such as an underwater location.